EngAge Wellness, a University of Nebraska Medical Center program at the Home Instead Center for Successful Aging, will offer a FallProof! balance and mobility training class for seniors beginning July 9.
The class runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. for 12 weeks, or Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. also for 12 weeks.
FallProof! is a multidimensional, evidence-based program developed by Debra Rose, Ph.D., co-director of the Center for Successful Aging at California State University, Fullerton. FallProof! has been recognized nationally by the National Council on Aging.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in three people 65 and older falls each year. Among those 65 or older, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death. And even those who fall without injury may develop a fear of falling and limit their physical activities (which gets them out of shape and even more susceptible to falls).
Avoiding falls is one of the best things seniors can do to ensure continued good health.
The program includes pre- and post- assessment tests and can be tailored to most any level of stability among people age 50 and up. Classes will include training on center of gravity control, postural strategy, gait enhancement, recovering from loss of balance, multi-sensory training, and strength and flexibility.
HICSA wellness specialist Heather Lenz is Nebraska’s only certified FallProof! trainer.
The class can be used as a pre-emptive move, Lenz said, even for those who are already in excellent shape. “Some of those normal aging things are still going to happen,” Lenz said, “and you need to do even more work to stay sharp.”
Barb Tripp was a student in EngAge’s pilot FallProof! program, as Lenz worked toward her final certification.
Tripp said she had fallen before and developed “a terrible fear of falling.” But she steeled herself to take the class in order to win back both her balance and her confidence.
Classes are $50 for EngAge premium members, $122 for EngAge basic members and $146 for non-members. Space is limited. Participants are urged to register by June 8.
For information, call Lenz at 402-552-7229 or Jeannie Hannan at 402-552-7227.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.